Hour 2: I Think They Have Something There

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Hour 2: I Think They Have Something There
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

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1. Opening Remarks and Initial Banter (00:00 - 03:00)

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their signature playful banter, setting a lively tone for the discussion ahead. They humorously navigate through minor interruptions and technical hiccups, exemplifying their chemistry and camaraderie.

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2. Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks' Resurgence (02:49 - 04:22)

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Jalen Brunson and his impact on the New York Knicks. The hosts express optimism about his performance and leadership, highlighting his potential to lead the team to success.

• Dan Le Batard [02:49]: "Jalen Brunson."
• Roy Bellamy [02:54]: "Run, son."
• Stugotz [03:02]: "People have paid us for 20 years."
  (At 03:02, emphasizing the loyalty and support from fans over two decades.)

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3. Analysis of NBA Coaching Tenure and Recognition (03:02 - 14:55)

The discussion shifts to the recognition and longevity of NBA coaches. The hosts lament the declining celebrity status of coaches compared to the past and debate the current coaching landscape.

• Chris Cote [14:12]: "It's his second stint there."
  (Discussing Coach Rick Carlisle's tenure with the Pacers.)
• Chris Cote [12:34]: "What happened to the coaching profession?"
  (Critiquing the current state of NBA coaching.)
• Stugotz [14:55]: "Wait, you know about the Bickerstaff?"
  (Questioning the recognition of newer coaches like J.B. Bickerstaff.)

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4. Weekend Sports Observations and Highlights (06:44 - 26:53)

In the "Weekend Observations" segment, the hosts delve into various sports events that transpired over the weekend, covering topics from MLB rivalries to NBA playoffs and NHL performances.

• Chris Cote [09:54]: "Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. Mets and Yankees little subway series."
  (Highlighting key playoff matchups.)
• Stugotz [19:14]: "Toronto gets close and then loses. That's why they're the most disappointing team in Canada."
  (Expressing frustration with the Toronto Maple Leafs' performance.)
• Dan Le Batard [24:36]: "Rebuild again. These things take four and five years at a time."
  (Commenting on team rebuilds and long-term strategies.)

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5. Toronto Maple Leafs and Game 7 Dynamics (26:53 - 39:20)

A passionate discussion unfolds about the Toronto Maple Leafs, focusing on their performance in Game 7 scenarios and the emotional rollercoaster for fans.

• Stugotz [30:31]: "Since 2018, the Toronto Maple Leafs are 0-7 in make-or-break games."
  (Addressing the team's losing streak in crucial games.)
• Chris Cote [32:38]: "Winning Game 7 on the road or at home? Which is the greatest feeling in sports?"
  (Pondering the significance of Game 7 victories.)
• Stugotz [37:13]: "Every single Maple Leaf fan is a loser."
  (Exasperated take on Maple Leafs' fanbase struggles.)

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6. Critique of NHL Terminology and Canadian Sports Culture (36:01 - 40:19)

The hosts critique the terminology used in NHL, specifically the term "barn," and delve into broader cultural observations about Canadian sports enthusiasts.

• Stugotz [36:11]: "Do you know why everyone refers to the opposing hockey arena as the barn?"
  (Questioning the origin and usage of the term "barn" in hockey.)
• Chris Cote [36:45]: "Apparently, they used to turn barns into field houses where you could play hockey in the early times of hockey."
  (Providing historical context for the term.)
• Stugotz [38:36]: "They always lose. The Panthers win all the big games."
  (Comparing Canadian teams' struggles with the Panthers' successes.)

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7. Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement (40:19 - 41:20)

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts engage in light-hearted discussions about celebrity sightings and the challenges of maintaining sports fandom amidst team performances.

• Stugotz [40:06]: "Tell me I'm wrong that any one of these guys goes to Hollywood Beach and the only reason they'd get recognized is because of the Canadians who were there."
  (Debating the visibility of sports stars in everyday settings.)
• Chris Cote [41:16]: "Imagine Don Nelson walking through Sawgrass Mills back in the 80s."
  (Humorous take on coaches blending into public spaces.)

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8. Conclusion and Teasers for Upcoming Content (41:20 - 37:00)

The episode concludes with teasers for future segments and upcoming shows, maintaining the engaging and anticipatory atmosphere characteristic of the show.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stugotz [03:02]: "People have paid us for 20 years."
  (Highlighting long-term fan support.)

• Chris Cote [14:12]: "It's his second stint there."
  (Discussing Coach Carlisle's tenure.)

• Stugotz [36:11]: "Do you know why everyone refers to the opposing hockey arena as the barn?"
  (Questioning NHL terminology.)

• Stugotz [30:31]: "Since 2018, the Toronto Maple Leafs are 0-7 in make-or-break games."
  (Expressing frustration with the team's performance in crucial games.)

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Insights and Themes

• Team Performance and Fan Expectations: The hosts extensively discuss the performance of teams like the New York Knicks and Toronto Maple Leafs, emphasizing the high expectations placed on star players and the resultant fan frustrations when outcomes fall short.

• Coaching Dynamics in the NBA: A recurring theme is the diminishing recognition and visibility of NBA coaches compared to previous eras, sparking conversations about the profession's evolution.

• Cultural Critique of Canadian Sports Fandom: The hosts provide a critical lens on Canadian sports culture, particularly in hockey, questioning terminologies and the unwavering loyalty of fans despite repeated team losses.

• Humor and Camaraderie: Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a humorous and light-hearted rapport, using wit to navigate through critiques and discussions, making the content engaging and relatable.

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, the hosts delve deep into the intricacies of team performances, coaching reputations, and cultural nuances within the sports world. Their blend of humor, critical analysis, and passionate discussion offers listeners a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of current sports dynamics.

Transcript

[Dan LeBatard]

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[Mike Ryan]

Now's a good time to remember where tequila's story truly began. In 1795, Cuervo invented tequila. Cuervo, what are you doing here?

[Stugotz]

Cuervo? Anytime someone says Cuervo, I show up.

[Mike Ryan]

Well, I do know that to be true. But even during ad reads like Cuervo, I think he could lay out especially.

[Stugotz]

For one of our great partners, sweet, delicious Cuervo.

[Mike Ryan]

Since then, Cuervo has stayed true to its roots. The same family, the same land, the same passion.

[Stugotz]

Cuervo.

[Mike Ryan]

So enjoy the tequila that started it all.

[Stugotz]

Cuervo.

[Mike Ryan]

Cuervo, the tequila that invented tequila. Proximo. Cuervo.com, please drink responsibly.

[Chris Cote]

Cuervo.

[Stugotz]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stu Guts podcast. Did you say you were gonna start with the song? Please leave all that in so people can see how you're just grinning maniacally instead of doing your job. Just play the song now. You said you were gonna play the song and then you forgo. The Panthers have you drunk with power. Hey, man, I'm happy, man.

[Mike Ryan]

Play a song.

[Stugotz]

Oh, no. Nick's fam Taylor. No, no, no, no.

[Roy Bellamy]

I come back from a garden night My mother asked that the Knicksman must have lost, right? Oh, mother dear, we're now the fortunate ones. New York has Jalen Brunson Oh, New York has Jalen Brunson the bonus hints and the score is tight. My father yells best thing to happen in my life. Oh, daddy dear. Signing him is number one. New York has Jalen Brunson Oh, New York really has. He's all we really want. Brunson will win the game when it is done Because New York has Jalen Brunson. New York has Jalen Brunson.

[Stugotz]

Jalen Brunson.

[Chris Cote]

Jalen Brunson.

[Roy Bellamy]

Run, son.

[Stugotz]

People have paid us for 20 years.

[Chris Cote]

It's yeah.

[Billy Gil]

Wrong immoral Sam Moral guy's a hack.

[Chris Cote]

Totally.

[Stugotz]

He's mad at all of us.

[Tony]

You know, I used to like him.

[Chris Cote]

Now I can't be mad at himself, be funny.

[Stugotz]

He's now mad at everybody. Tony, I'm sorry, I'm going to have to. This is a delayed penalty.

[Chris Cote]

Minor penalty.

[Stugotz]

Two minutes for adding nothing in your dismount on the timber.

[Tony]

I know what it was. I know what it was. I know what it was. I. I'll go.

[Billy Gil]

Wait. I want to know what it was.

[Dan LeBatard]

I'd like to know.

[Chris Cote]

Right. Seems like a ticky tack call.

[Stugotz]

Well, he just held his hand. That was a ball of me. I don't actually know. I haven't talked to him about this, so I don't know if he has this right. I wonder if. If he knows and I want to call him back in here to get him to expand.

[Chris Cote]

I mean, what could he have possibly.

[Billy Gil]

Thought it was that he was that.

[Stugotz]

Worried to just walk out? I just. I want to. I want to see what he's got here, if indeed he's got anything. Because I want to see if we're on the same wavelength here because I can't believe that he would know exactly what criticism is going to be.

[Tony]

No, I know exactly what it was. And I know because when I said it, I was like, okay, thank God he said something. I didn't have to say anything other than that. When I. When you asked me if it was a size, like, yeah, it's a size. I think they have something there. And then we kind of just left it for like three seconds. And then you moved on.

[Stugotz]

And I was like, okay, good. You know what? You. You can. No, I can stay.

[Chris Cote]

You're reversing the penalty.

[Stugotz]

Yes. For just a blanket.

[Zach Lowe]

For after review.

[Stugotz]

Because judge. Because the honesty and the ability to know. Now Stu Giant says I should escalate it to a five minute major. But I think he should be forgiven because what I was going to complain about is. You may have noticed Zach Lowe, very popular. Very popular. At least in part because he's doing a very, very difficult thing well. Which is explaining in bite sized morsels something that shows you that he has more information than just about anybody analyzing basketball the way that he's doing it with the analytics. That's what he does to great success. I throw the NBA his back to Tony. He says of the Timberwolves. There's something there that was.

[Tony]

After a long conversation about narratives about. Now the league is changing hands and we're passing the torch.

[Stugotz]

I know, but there's something. There is something we can say about every. There that's there.

[Tony]

There's always something. Right. And I had something. The thing is. Do you want to go on a long diatribe about how the Wolves have great size. How Julius Raynold's been playing great. How me and. Me and Jeremy were talking about how Gobert is actually the anchor of that defense. Allow Julius Randall to play more of like a 3 instead of a 4 or a 5. Allows him to play bully ball with guys that are smaller than him, which is, by the way, what Kat's been dealing with when they play him. Smaller defenders, all of a sudden, Cat's not that good. The Knicks aren't that good if he gets defended by smaller guys. What happened in Denver all of a sudden? Alex Caruso playing against Jokic. Turnovers. Did you know what the third. The different turnover differential for the Oklahoma City Thunder off points. And the Denver Nuggets was yesterday. 37. 7. 37 points on turnovers. Oakley OKC did have. So. And that was another thing. And I'm gonna leave after that. Thank you.

[Zach Lowe]

Zach Lowe blocked me on Twitter one time.

[Chris Cote]

Get out of here.

[Zach Lowe]

Yeah, yeah, it was weird.

[Billy Gil]

Sounds like a low blow.

[Zach Lowe]

I had no idea why.

[Stugotz]

Okay, you know what? What are we doing?

[Chris Cote]

Low blow.

[Dan LeBatard]

No one checks out.

[Chris Cote]

Hey, no, I'm going too.

[Dan LeBatard]

Minor penalty.

[Stugotz]

Two minutes high sticking. Jeremy. We're gonna have to name that the Jeremy Memorial Award.

[Chris Cote]

Two minutes for being Jeremy.

[Stugotz]

Ye. Are you ready to do Weekend Observations? We haven't gotten them in a while and Amine is a pale imitation. Are you ready to attack your weekend observations?

[Chris Cote]

Sure.

[Stugotz]

Is there some Scotty Scheffler in there? Is there?

[Chris Cote]

There's some Scotty Scheffler in there. Yeah, of course.

[Stugotz]

Roy, do you have Any thoughts on RG3 making a heel turn? Do we have. Is that gonna be found? Probably not in Weekend Observations. Let's see what's in Weekend Observations. It is time for Stugats to share his game notes. No one in the media will tell.

[Tony]

You what happened better than my voice.

[Chris Cote]

To Weekend Observations. Brought to you by Miller Lite. Dan, after they announced their final tour in 2023, I made sure I was at every show. I thought it was over. Then they gave me not one, but two residences at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Once again, thought it was done. But dan, for their 60th anniversary. That's right, I said 60th. They announced a three night extravaganza at Golden Gate park in San Francisco. And Dan, just like that. Make no mistake about it, Dead. And company is back.

[Stugotz]

What does this mean to your schedule? What's gonna happen?

[Chris Cote]

It means I'll be off in August.

[Zach Lowe]

I know what it means for me.

[Chris Cote]

Hey.

[Stugotz]

Stukatz's. Line now is just to go, hey, when Zaz says something, I'm happy for Zaz.

[Chris Cote]

I mean, thank you for allowing me on your show today. Boston Celtics. At least you'll always have the Luke Cornette game. For a brief moment after game five, how many people also thought the Celtics might just be better without Jayson Tatum? I did it.

[Stugotz]

That team. If, if Brown hadn't also been hurt, I believe that that team without Tatum could be as good as the Knicks. I don't think that that's an absurd thing to say. They won 60 games. They're not a 50 win team. It's a good. They're five deep in a way that is unusual for the league.

[Chris Cote]

Shai Gilgeous Alexander not only won the series, but he won the mvp. Congratulations, sga. Now do it in the Western Conference finals. And if you do, do it in the NBA finals.

[Stugotz]

There it is.

[Chris Cote]

Nikola Jokic the Choker.

[Stugotz]

Jokic the Yoker. When. When Jokic the Yoker the Choker.

[Chris Cote]

I would love to watch 5 Alex Carusos vs 5 Al Horfords. Something would have to give. You would watch that. Yeah, but you would watch that. There's five Carusos on the court. Take it on. Five Horfords.

[Stugotz]

There's so much diving for loose balls there going on. Unfortunately. Unfortunately. The game is nine to six.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah. Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. Mets and Yankees little subway series. WFAN20 shares collision course. What a time to be a sports radio host in New York. Oh my God. Juan Soto overrated Taylor. I would never say that. LeBron tweeting. The best two words in sports is game seven. Hey, LeBron, get your own bit. When you think MLB rivalry week, you think Mariners, Padres, the Vetter Cup.

[Stugotz]

The Angels swept the Dodgers this weekend for the first time in 15 years.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah, but Mariners, Padres, rivalry, the Vetter Cup. Vetter's a Cub fan.

[Stugotz]

That's true.

[Chris Cote]

It's weird. How was Pearl Jams house? I haven't seen you a while.

[Zach Lowe]

So good.

[Chris Cote]

The greatest.

[Zach Lowe]

So good.

[Chris Cote]

Jalen Brunson is what Kristaps Porzingis was supposed to be. He's also what Luka Donkic was supposed to be. That's the one they let get away. You agree?

[Stugotz]

Don Chich?

[Chris Cote]

I don't care.

[Stugotz]

It's obvious.

[Chris Cote]

I mean, win something and I'll pronounce your name correctly. Win anything.

[Stugotz]

I thought we might be able to trick him if. If we asked where's Julius Randle playing? Even after having Timberwolves? No, but I think we could have gotten you if I think we could have gotten you.

[Chris Cote]

No coach's name and looks work better in the city that he coaches in than Rick Carlisle. He should coach there forever, hasn't he? I don't know. Has he?

[Stugotz]

I don't imagine there are a lot of coaches that have had that looks like Indiana. How much. How many years has Carlisle had in Indiana? Is he the longest? Would his tenure in Indiana be longer than anybody but Spolsters in the NBA, like coaches don't get the last.

[Chris Cote]

It's his second stint there.

[Stugotz]

I know, but in terms of total years, if we're talking about Carlisle coaching the Pacers, does he have more total years with one franchise than anyone but Pop and spo? Who am I forgetting? Am I forgetting somebody?

[Tony]

Steve Kerr.

[Stugotz]

No, he's got to be. He's got to have more years than that. Carlisle would have.

[Chris Cote]

He has to.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, would have. I don't. I think he would have. The third longest, you know, amount of years by a good amount given. Given how much? Didn't. Weren't you complaining this morning? Did you come in here complaining that being an NBA coach used to mean something?

[Chris Cote]

It did. I mean, listen, we have four teams right now playing in the conference finals and I'm telling you, I couldn't name a Western Conference final head coach. What has happened to Cotton Fitzsimmons?

[Stugotz]

Yeah, but this is just because you've been at Dead and company frying your brain.

[Chris Cote]

It's not because if I was playing blackjack in Vegas, okay, at the win before a dead show with either of the coaches of the Western Conference finals, I wouldn't know it. More people would recognize me at that blackjack table than either of those two coaches. It used to mean something. What happened to Del Harris.

[Tony]

He's right, though. Adelman is very inconspicuous.

[Stugotz]

What happened to Del Harris?

[Chris Cote]

Jean Shoe.

[Stugotz]

Put it on the poll Juju. What happened to Del Harris?

[Chris Cote]

I mean, the only reason I know the Eastern Conference coaches is because I'm paying attention to the Eastern Conference.

[Stugotz]

You don't say.

[Chris Cote]

Otherwise I would have no idea that Tom Thibodeau was coaching the Knicks.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the eighth season in total that Carlisle has been with the Pacers.

[Chris Cote]

Huh?

[Billy Gil]

I thought it was as the head coach. He was an assistant there for. For three or four years before that.

[Stugotz]

So Steve Kerr has been longer with the warriors than Carlisle has been with the Pacers. So I had that wrong. I'm just remembering I had his first run being longer than that because it involved the malice at the end.

[Dan LeBatard]

It was four years. And then this. He's in his fourth year now.

[Billy Gil]

It was 03 through 07, but the coaches were everything.

[Chris Cote]

It was Billy Cunningham. It was Casey Jones. You remember this?

[Stugotz]

You long for this?

[Chris Cote]

I do. What happened to the coaching profession?

[Stugotz]

I don't know. I don't.

[Chris Cote]

Bernie Bickerstaff, Kevin Lockery, Locke.

[Stugotz]

I mean, you've still got a Bickerstaff. I thought if you like that name, you would just like it now that it's his son. Like there. There's. Put it on the poll at LeBatard show. Is there always going to be a Bickerstaff in.

[Billy Gil]

Who does J.B. bickerstaff coach?

[Chris Cote]

Ooh, J.B. bickerstaff.

[Stugotz]

You haven't been watching.

[Tony]

They had a really good season. Made the playoffs.

[Chris Cote]

Made the playoffs.

[Stugotz]

Shaquille o' Neal. He's Shaq. And. And well, but not only that.

[Tony]

Historically bad.

[Chris Cote]

Pace. No.

[Dan LeBatard]

Carl Alvin Pacer.

[Chris Cote]

That's right. Second stint.

[Tony]

Think of malice in the Palace.

[Chris Cote]

The Bucks.

[Stugotz]

I mean, Jalen Brunson had a moment for all time to break his heart.

[Chris Cote]

JB Biggerstock.

[Stugotz]

How are you not watching that series?

[Billy Gil]

Second in Coach of the Year voting this year.

[Chris Cote]

I'm not watching who the coach is.

[Tony]

One of the greatest crossovers I've ever seen.

[Billy Gil]

Who was it against?

[Chris Cote]

Iverson? What happened to Paul Westhead? Paul Goldschmidt still got it.

[Stugotz]

That's crazy. That he still got it.

[Billy Gil]

How Yankees.

[Chris Cote]

Pablo Torre doing a report on Bill Belichick's girlfriend and uncle immediately saying how wrong he was. It sounds like Pablo Torre around and found out. That should be the new name of his podcast. Pablo Torre f around and finds out.

[Billy Gil]

Taylor. Come on. His fingerprints are all over that one.

[Stugotz]

I mean, but it's also why it's called Pablo Torre finds out he fucked around and he got it right. And North Carolina's lying. You got nothing right here like nothing. Not the coach of the Pistons. Not where Divincenzo plays the Pistons. Huh?

[Billy Gil]

I can't believe you told him.

[Stugotz]

Dan.

[Chris Cote]

Chuck Daly.

[Stugotz]

That was a coach. That was a.

[Chris Cote]

Thank you. Roy says Larry Brown not a coach, though. I don't like Larry Brown.

[Stugotz]

What?

[Chris Cote]

I don't like him.

[Stugotz]

What? I mean, what do you mean? Larry Brown Championship.

[Chris Cote]

Listen, I am saying all the coaches were celebrities back in the day. Cotton Fitzsimmons didn't win a thing. But you knew who Cotton Fitzsimmons.

[Stugotz]

None of those people did. None of.

[Chris Cote]

That's my point.

[Stugotz]

Paul Westfall.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah, but. But you know, that's. Where is Dan Issel? You knew Dan Isle. If he was. If you were playing blackjack with Dan Issel, you knew you were playing blackjack.

[Stugotz]

Tony, just so that you know, okay, the NBA will not be back until Stugatz looks on a sideline, sees a guy in a suit and see says that guy looks like Dan Itzel. That's what I needed. I needed someone paroling the side. The sidelines in a suit.

[Tony]

I wonder what the. The diagram that we would have to make of like Stu knowing the coaches versus when they stopped wearing suits, like whatever that.

[Stugotz]

You know what we have to do? We have to do this. We have to quiz him next time he's on with just faces of people who are famous in sports. That he should know that his brain has been fried because Grateful Dead put.

[Chris Cote]

That on the calendar mid August, boys.

[Tony]

To do it or that you're going to be gone.

[Stugotz]

Yeah, he's going to be gone. That's when we can do it. When he's not here. He already told us he's going to be on vacation.

[Chris Cote]

I'll be back. I mean, it's three shows. Golden Gate park, early August. I'll be back mid August. I'm just saying if you. If you're going to do it, do it right after three dead shows. That's all I'm saying. You can't spell Auston Matthews without no show. Try it. I have. Austin Matthews is the Wayne Gretzky of Joel Embiid's.

[Stugotz]

Do you know how much spelling you just made us do on Auston Matthews?

[Mike Ryan]

There's only one O in Austin Matthews.

[Chris Cote]

No show. You only need one of.

[Stugotz]

You can use it two times. Like Martinez. Martinez on first and third. He's there in both places sliding into that O.

[Chris Cote]

This seven in game seven stands for how many straight game sevens the Leafs have lost.

[Stugotz]

That's crazy. I mean, it really is crazy. I mean, what a bunch of losers. I mean, you can't. I'm not even being mean.

[Chris Cote]

Four people into Rod Joe Dan.

[Stugotz]

It's factual.

[Chris Cote]

I mean, they're in an igloo. Ice fishing right now.

[Stugotz]

That's. Toronto's a major city now.

[Billy Gil]

Stu's right.

[Zach Lowe]

Thinks they're like Eskimos.

[Billy Gil]

Yeah.

[Chris Cote]

We're at the beach and they're having hockey. We have everything. And they lost a sunrise. I mean.

[Stugotz]

Stugon is rapid descent into just spectacular ignorance. Like you just put Toronto's a big ass city, Stug. You have them ice fishing in an igloo like that. Ottawa, That's Winnipeg. Those poor people.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah.

[Stugotz]

Do you know how frustrating this Is where they're like, tampa's as far south as all that's gonna go, right? That's like, we're not gonna go any further than that. All the Canadians on Hollywood beach wearing socks and sandals. We're not gonna go that far. Really? Really. That's gonna take out McDavid. It's gonna hide the puck in the corner and take out McDavid.

[Chris Cote]

Dallas.

[Stugotz]

They must hate us so much right now. I sounded like Trump the first two hours of the show making fun of Canada.

[Chris Cote]

I love when the announcers say a goalie is standing on his head. I don't know what it means, but.

[Stugotz]

That'S the same thing Chris said last week. What it means is, instead of legs, he's on his head and he's stomping everything. Why do you guys not know what this means?

[Chris Cote]

Just like it.

[Dan LeBatard]

Well, it's ridiculous, because if he actually stood on his head, he'd be a much less effective goalie.

[Stugotz]

Not if you were Bobrovsky. That's the point that.

[Dan LeBatard]

Now I get it.

[Stugotz]

The point is that he can it. You try and get it past him, and he saves it with his butt. He saves it with his head. He saves it on his head. He saves it.

[Dan LeBatard]

However, Carlos saved it with his butt.

[Stugotz]

But Bobrovsky can also save it with his butt while standing on his head.

[Chris Cote]

The O in O Canada stands for how many Canadian teams have lifted a Stanley cup in the last 32 years?

[Stugotz]

It has to make him insane.

[Chris Cote]

Right?

[Stugotz]

Right. Like, just cra. They care.

[Chris Cote]

It's their game, dude.

[Stugotz]

They care so much. And Tony's back there saying he doesn't know this. The name of a crease or the color of a blue line.

[Dan LeBatard]

Maybe they should care less. I saw Kachuk was on spit and chickless this morning, basically saying, like, the fans deserve a little. Like, that's too much pressure. We don't have to deal with that. Like, I don't want to blame the fans for too much pressure, but there is something to the effect of back off a little bit. You're not helping.

[Zach Lowe]

Where's Jim Lyneum?

[Chris Cote]

That's what I'm talking about. You knew him. You're sitting at a blackjack table. Jimmy Lyman's there. You know it.

[Stugotz]

Jimmy, I think you just went dyslexic there.

[Chris Cote]

What happened to Dr. Jack?

[Stugotz]

The M before the N? What did happen to Dr. Jack?

[Tony]

Rest in peace, Crusher.

[Stugotz]

Leonard. Leonard.

[Zach Lowe]

Dunder.

[Stugotz]

Dunder.

[Chris Cote]

Dan. You know what the N in Nicola and the J in Jokic stands for? They stand for not Jordan. Never will be. Jordan, never should have been. Compared to Jordan. It stands for not today, not tomorrow, not at any point in history will Jokic be better than Michael Jordan. Little wordy.

[Stugotz]

Except statistically. When you do the advanced metrics on offensive game and efficiencies. Greatest player ever, but okay.

[Chris Cote]

You know, okay. Six shots in a game. Seven.

[Stugotz]

It was nine, but nine.

[Chris Cote]

Get your own shots.

[Stugotz]

OKC is very good at defense. They can frustrate.

[Chris Cote]

The Pistons weren't.

[Zach Lowe]

Where's George?

[Stugotz]

Carl. Yeah.

[Chris Cote]

That's what I'm talking about. I know what happened to Georgie.

[Stugotz]

Zaz can play this game for the rest of your life.

[Chris Cote]

I'm waiting for a dick. Mata. Just got him. John Lucas. Shohei Ohtani. Do it against the Angels. I don't like this Ohtani guy.

[Stugotz]

What?

[Chris Cote]

It's not that good.

[Billy Gil]

You're infuriating.

[Stugotz]

Unbelievable.

[Chris Cote]

Three majors, 15 wins, 28 years old. Close your eyes for a second, Dan. Imagine Scotty Scheffler was black.

[Stugotz]

Holy shit. Oh, my God.

[Dan LeBatard]

That arrest would have gone over differently.

[Stugotz]

Oh, yeah. He'd still be in jail.

[Chris Cote]

Only have two majors. We're not talking enough about him.

[Zach Lowe]

Where's the bill?

[Chris Cote]

Thank you. What a head of hair. Silver, right? You know it. Such a good one. If you look closely at just their faces, Scottie Scheffler and Elvis Presley look exactly alike. The King. Scottie Scheffler, droopy face. It's impossible for anyone to run downhill and not look clumsy. It's hard.

[Stugotz]

Put it on the pole.

[Chris Cote]

At level ground.

[Stugotz]

At LeBatard show. Is it possible to run downhill without looking clumsy?

[Chris Cote]

Read a story over the weekend, Dan, about the Celtics needing to start over. That was quick, right?

[Stugotz]

That's kind of stunning, right? No one had it quite like that. Right? Where we go from. Oh, whoa. Over. Yeah, that. No.

[Tony]

Second apron.

[Stugotz]

No. Again. Rebuild again. These things four and five years at a time. Really hard. Ligaments tear, bodies break. People hate each other. Seems. It seems like these people don't. Denver just fell apart at the end.

[Chris Cote]

Is there a worse reputation to have than being the franchise that is called the franchise where quarterbacks go to die? The Bears, I think Caleb didn't want to go there. I don't blame them, by the way. Quarterback's gonna die.

[Stugotz]

The jets are gonna have that reputation shortly. They have it if they're. I don't know.

[Chris Cote]

They had Geno Smith. He's moved on. They had Sam Darnold. He's moved on. Those guys have made Pro Bowls. They have that reputation.

[Zach Lowe]

Anyway, where's Doug Moe?

[Chris Cote]

Oh, Doug.

[Stugotz]

Jesus.

[Chris Cote]

Coach K. Great name for a drug. Things you think about, man. When you think you're seeing Coach K walking around the wind at the Sphere. Oh, what a great time I had with him. I think.

[Stugotz]

A thousand Coach K's.

[Chris Cote]

I don't know.

[Stugotz]

Just. It really does sound like mushrooms and Grateful Dead to just see a desert of just unending Coach ks.

[Chris Cote]

I was asking people, is there a coaching convention going on here? I keep seeing Coach K. No one else saw him. That's why I'm a big.

[Stugotz]

Well, that's probably. That's probably why it was the drugs. Yes.

[Chris Cote]

If you have the Maple Leafs in a game seven on their home ice, you've got them exactly where you want them. Amazing.

[Stugotz]

Put it on the poll. Is every single Maple Leaf fan a loser?

[Zach Lowe]

Yo, where's Rudy T.

[Chris Cote]

The two most magical words in sports are game seven. Unless you're a Leafs fan, then it's hell on earth. Speaking of hell or briles, Dan, those are the weekend observations.

[Mike Ryan]

Howdy, listeners, it's Mike. This is one of the best times of the year. You're caught up in the emotion of the playoffs, big time, crucial games, going to games, hanging with your boys, hanging with your ladies, hanging with your family and having a good old fashioned time. Well, I can speak from experience. I've been doing all those things, but I've been doing so with a Miller life by my side. Because having good times is great. Making those good times a Miller time makes it an unbelievable time. A time of your life with Miller Lite, a brand and a beverage that has been around for 50 glorious years. That's hard to do. Remain popular and delivering on great flavor for 50 years. Brewed with simple ingredients, none of the fluff, just real flavor. Malted barley gives it that rich, balanced, hoppy note taste and the iconic golden color that just hits right every time I Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Pablo Torre]

The Dan LeBatard show with Stu Gotz is sponsored by BetterHelp. Mental health awareness is growing and that's a good thing. But there's still work to do. In a recent survey, 26% of Americans say they've avoided seeking support out of fear of being judged. And that hesitation, it doesn't just affect the individual. It ripples out to families, workplaces, entire communities. This is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let's break the stigma together. Because when people are healthy and happy, we all thrive. Therapy isn't just for major trauma. It can help with setting boundaries, learning positive coping skills, and simply becoming the best version of you. BetterHelp has over a decade of experience connecting people with licensed therapists who fit their needs. With over 30,000 professionals and 5 million users worldwide, it's therapy that fits your life. It's completely online, flexible, and you can switch therapists at any time at no extra cost. We're all better with help. Visit betterhelp.com DLB to get 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp. H-E-L-P.com DLB.

[Tony]

Okay, so I thought I was good with money. Turns out I was really good at ignoring it. Like, how am I spending this much on delivery or Uber or that one shoe store that I buy too many shoes from? Then I started using Monarch Money. And dude, it's a financial wake up call. Monarch's not just some budgeting app. It's basically your money command center. Puts everything, accounts, credit cards, investments into one place. So you're not guessing anymore. And listen, I found stuff I didn't even know I was paying for. Since I started using Monarch, I'm tracking my spending, actually saving and yeah, even having money check ins with my wife. And we're looking at each other and we're like, yeah, okay, we're all good. It makes the hard stuff way easier. And over a million households use. Monarch is named the best budgeting app of 2025 by the Wall Street Journal. So it's not just me hyping up. It's legit. It's real. Real deal. Holy. For field and get control of all your finances with Monarch Money, use code [e-mail] in your browser for half off your first year. That's 50 off your first [e-mail] with code dan.

[Stugotz]

Don LeBatard. It's a three. The crowd goes into a delusion.

[Roy Bellamy]

Winning in the playoffs, not an illusion. It's a heat check. He's on fire. St. Jalen Bronson. Thumbs up. Clutch. That's why we won. New York knows you are the best. Not the joke no more.

[Stugotz]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats. Since 2018, the Toronto Maple Maple Leafs are 07 in make or break it games and They've been outscored 28 to 9 yesterday. Yesterday it was 75 shots in two periods like that. Just for a moment, imagine Stugats as a sports fan. 25 years of failure, irrelevance. New York Knicks, New York Jets. It hurts. It stinks. He dares to hope. Dares to hope. They fail all the time. Aaron Rodgers injured after a play.

[Chris Cote]

Three plays.

[Stugotz]

Toronto was buoyant. Toronto hasn't felt that good in a long time. They were out overtime, goal away from up 3. 0 on the defending champions. And then they come and do the unthinkable. They win game six and shut out Florida at home. And make Florida fans, whether they admit it or not, a hiccup of oof. Game seven on the road isn't very comfortable except against them, right? Historically against them. Because the fans care so much that the players feel it. And all of a sudden, Matthews is a no show with one O, which is not how you spell no show. You know what? I'm actually annoyed about this because it took an extra game for the Panthers to beat them. They should have won Game 6. Like all this, flying to Toronto, potential injury. Now you gotta fly to Raleigh, like they should. They should have gotten the job done. Game six.

[Dan LeBatard]

Why you have. Why do you have flying to Raleigh?

[Stugotz]

Why are you pounding on the desk?

[Chris Cote]

It's 48 minutes. I mean, now they have to fly.

[Dan LeBatard]

Now they have to fly to Raleigh.

[Stugotz]

But why are you pounding on the desk as you say this? It should have been six. It should have been six. Well, then you would have been denied. Outscoring them twice. Two of three games for your season, two of them at home.

[Chris Cote]

Come on, Roy. That's the best feeling in sports. They're home ice. Their fans were leaving early.

[Stugotz]

That's the greatest thing about this. Hold on. Put it on the poll at LeBatard show. What is the greatest feeling in Sports? Winning Game 7 on the road or winning Game 7 at home? Because I don't know if a lot.

[Chris Cote]

Of athletes say that shutting up the opposing team's fans is the best feeling. Like they say it all the time. I don't know if it's true.

[Stugotz]

Well, I would say the. I would say the players who are most villainous say that. I don't say a lot. Chipper Jones said it. Reggie Miller said it. I don't think that that's a greater feeling, except unless if you're Brad Marchand, it might be. If you run your life fueled on a. On a flume of hate.

[Zach Lowe]

I believe that was actually the first time that Marshan won Game 7 against the Leafs in Toronto. I think all other four times were in Boston, so that was his first experience doing that in front of them.

[Billy Gil]

Also, Dan, this is your thing, though. You love forcing a Game seven for your team, even when the fan base doesn't want it. Last year, when The Panthers were up 3 0, you wanted them to blow it and go to 7, and that was not something that was going to be fun. This one, though, I'm with you. I kind of was happy that the Panthers lost Game 6, because I knew that they would go into Toronto and win Game 7. There's no more fear as a Panthers fan. And so you knew that you could experience the greatest joy of going into their barn, scoring six goals and winning.

[Stugotz]

All right, the barn was unnecessary there.

[Chris Cote]

Very needed. Totally hockey guy.

[Dan LeBatard]

You need that arena. This was actually the only part. I liked what he said.

[Billy Gil]

Marshawn had an apple in that game, right?

[Stugotz]

The barn. The barn is not needed there. No one needed the barn. I will say to you, though, as I'm watching a champion defend its title and you've heard me, be fast. Scared of Winnipeg, be scared of Toronto, be scared of Dallas. Edmonton's the scariest. Like that. I. I don't know what you guys are rooting for next. Roy, you can shrug your shoulders.

[Chris Cote]

Carolina is the scariest. Carolina's good.

[Dan LeBatard]

That's crazy.

[Chris Cote]

Okay.

[Stugotz]

It's hockey. Can happen to anything.

[Zach Lowe]

Afraid of Frederickson.

[Stugotz]

I want to go back for a second. I just. I want to examine. Not unlike with. With Tony's, there's something there with Minnesota. I want to examine the conversational defect that ST has when he stares at you after you've said Bob Hill and the back and forth. Is what, a head of hair? Silver. Right. So is he just wanting you to know that he knows that Bob Hill's hair was silver? When he says silver. Right. It's not because he's asking you the question or is confused. It's because he wishes to show us that he knows the color of Bob Hill's hair.

[Chris Cote]

Bona fides.

[Zach Lowe]

He's trying to make up for not knowing that J.B. bickerstaff is even still coaching.

[Stugotz]

But was it. Was it silver or. I feel like. I thought Bob Hill was, like, whitish. I thought. I didn't even know. That's why I stopped. I wasn't. I thought it was closer to.

[Billy Gil]

Stugatz is right here.

[Chris Cote]

This is.

[Billy Gil]

This is maybe white by the end of his career, but this is. I mean, I've got pictures of him right next to Greg Popovich in a more modern time, and that is A clear and obvious silver hair.

[Dan LeBatard]

Look how uncomfortable he looks as coach.

[Stugotz]

They had to.

[Dan LeBatard]

They all had to dress like that. That's crazy.

[Chris Cote]

That's what it meant something.

[Stugotz]

Yes, that's what. That is. The time that stug is longing for again, the barn. Unnecessary. And I don't know why it is that hockey people insist on referring to it as a barn. There is no other place where you go into someone else's barn.

[Zach Lowe]

Do you think it's insulting to, you know, all the taxpayers in the city who likely pay billions of dollars to create this glorious arena, yet we're calling it a barn?

[Stugotz]

I don't even. But I don't. Can you give me the origins? Because Chris is back there saying, this is why he's got. Put it on the poll at Levitage show. Do you know why everyone refers to going into the opposing hockey arena and only the opposing hockey arena as the barn? Do any of you know why you say this thing?

[Zach Lowe]

Also, also, does it stop being a barn when the Raptors are playing a game?

[Stugotz]

Oh, wow.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah.

[Billy Gil]

Apparently they used to turn barns into field houses where you could play hockey in the early times of hockey. So in turn, that's why you're going into the barn.

[Dan LeBatard]

Anytime I walk. Anytime I walk into that arena where the Panthers play, even if I'm going to Disney on Ice, I'm saying, you ready to walk into this barn, honey?

[Stugotz]

Well, wait a minute. What about Indiana? They play in a field house.

[Chris Cote]

They do.

[Stugotz]

That's a different thing. A field house isn't a barn.

[Chris Cote]

It's not a barn.

[Stugotz]

Field house is a field house. Barn's a totally different thing. Do you realize that Canada listens to. To this today, Toronto specifically, and says, listen to those idiots. They get to advance. They don't know about anything. Like, every one of our grandkids grew up in a barn playing hockey.

[Dan LeBatard]

We called it a barn that you are in. In a hockey. Like, they're like, whoa, these guys know Puck. He called it a barn.

[Stugotz]

That's right. That's Tony. No night.

[Tony]

Between the pipes.

[Chris Cote]

You're so right. The generations of families.

[Stugotz]

Listen to me. They're not ice fishing. They all play hockey. No, listen to me. There's a family in Toronto right now where the suffering has been passed down. A hundred years of caring too much. All the blankets are Maple Leafs. All the things in the house are Maple Leaf. For some reason, they've tuned into today's show to listen to what the winners sound like and how little they know about the sport that Canada cares about. It's it is insulting it. If I. I'm trying to think of an example I could give the audience right now of something that you care about deeply, that some other country just came around and just stole it from you again and again. And for 30 years all you do is lose. And the worst of you is Toronto, because you get kind of close. It's not even like the other losers in Canada that just lose forever. Like, honest to God, I don't know anything about. About Winnipeg except they've got the jets and the jets never win anything. Like, I literally don't know anything else about Winnipeg. Put it on the poll at LeBatard show. Do you know anything else about Winnipeg other than they have the Jets?

[Mike Ryan]

Well, it's the second time that they've had the Jets.

[Stugotz]

The first jets moved to Arizona before moving to Utah.

[Chris Cote]

Second stint.

[Stugotz]

Losers, losers, losers. And none of them are worse than Toronto because Toronto gets close and then loses. And everyone knows. Oh, the pressure of that got to you. Look, you didn't lose one, nothing. No, they caved your head in because you couldn't handle any of that. All of it was too much, and everyone knew it before they got to the arena. When you drove to the arena, you carried my grandfather's breath, loser breath, my dad's loser breath, my kids, loser breath. All we do is lose. We get close, we're gonna lose. And the Panthers win all the big.

[Dan LeBatard]

Games, especially in the road barn.

[Chris Cote]

Yeah, how with guys from your country?

[Stugotz]

How with a bunch of players who are down here going to Sawgrass Mills, thrilled that no one bothers. No one cares about hockey over there. Like, thrilled. Every, every, every last Panther that gets to walk through Sawgrass Mills. Loves, loves. Do you know what it's like for McDavid and Edmonton?

[Dan LeBatard]

I love the visual of them going to the mall after, like, walking around with a.

[Chris Cote]

No one bothers him.

[Dan LeBatard]

One of those, like, carts you have to, like, pay a dollar for.

[Stugotz]

If there's still a Rainforest Cafe, I bet you. I bet you Barkhov can eat in.

[Billy Gil]

A corner without anyone bothering sitting on.

[Chris Cote]

One of those stools.

[Billy Gil]

That's actually an animal butt.

[Chris Cote]

I think Barkov is sit at the bar.

[Stugotz]

Tell me I'm wrong, Zaslo. Tell me I'm wrong that any one of these guys goes to Hollywood beach and the only reason they'd get recognized is because of the Canadians who were there.

[Zach Lowe]

I told you at UFC last month, everyone was fawning over the celebrities who are sitting on the floor level and sitting in the row right behind me. Completely inconspicuous. Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblatt just drinking beers.

[Dan LeBatard]

Elbow Room, specifically. Kachuk's the king there. They know him there. But I'm with you in general.

[Stugotz]

This is the thing about. This is the thing they love so much. Beyond, you know, no state income tax about living here. Fame's not a menu item. You don't get to choose how you get it. These guys do. If Chuck wants to go drinking at the Elbow Room and be recognized, that's where he's going to go. He wants to go anywhere in Dade county, have at it. Nobody knows who the hell you are.

[Tony]

I would tell them to move out.

[Dan LeBatard]

Of the way, but get out of the way.

[Tony]

Who is this guy?

[Stugotz]

People are honking at him.

[Chris Cote]

Fighting them.

[Tony]

You could put a lineup and I wouldn't be able to pull up.

[Stugotz]

Let's do that. Let's do the game where we put coaches in front of and hockey players in front of you, and let's just have an ignorant off.

[Chris Cote]

Imagine, I mean, seriously, imagine Don Nelson walking through Sawgrass Mills back in the 80s.

[Stugotz]

I mean, I want to play this game now. I want to play the game. Who can I put in front of Tony and Stugot to make this work the best?

[Dan LeBatard]

And it's gonna be a boring game for Tony. Oh, who's that player? I don't know.

[Stugotz]

I know.

[Chris Cote]

Next.

[Stugotz]

But imagine how it makes Toronto feel when that's what knocks out Matthews.

[Pablo Torre]

The Dan LeBatard show with Stu Gotts is sponsored by BetterHelp. Mental health awareness is growing, and that's a good thing. But there's still work to do. In a recent survey, 26% of Americans said they've avoided seeking support out of fear of being judged. And that hesitation, it doesn't just affect the individual. It ripples out to families, workplaces, entire communities. This is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let's break the stigma together. Because when people are healthy and happy, we all thrive. Therapy isn't just for major trauma. It can help with setting boundaries, learning positive coping skills, and simply becoming the best version of you. BetterHelp has over a decade of experience connecting people with licensed therapists who fit their needs. With over 30,000 professionals and 5 million users worldwide, it's therapy that fits your life. It's completely online, flexible, and you can switch therapists at any time at no extra cost. We're all better with help. Visit betterhelp.com DLB to get 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp. H-E-L-P.com DLB.

[Mike Ryan]

Howdy listeners, it's Mike. This is one of the best times of the year. You're caught up in the emotion of the playoffs. Big time, crucial games, going to games, hanging with your boys, hanging with your ladies, hanging with your family and having a good old fashioned time. Well, I can speak from experience. I've been doing all those things, but I've been doing so with a Miller Lite by my side. Because having good times is great. Making those good times a Miller Time makes it an unbelievable time. A time of your life with Miller Lite, a brand and a beverage that has been around for 50 glorious years. That's hard to do. Remain popular and delivering on great flavor for 50 years. Brewed with simple ingredients, none of the fluff, just real flavor. Malted barley gives it that rich, balanced toffee note taste and the iconic golden color that just hits right every time. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlite.com dan to find delivery options near you or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller Time. Celebrate with responsibly Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.